3D printing branches

Exalto Wiper Technologies

Back in 1979, the first Exalto Wiper System was made. Consequently ever since Exalto has concentrated on developing the world’s best wiper systems. Gathering years of knowledge of building the best wipers systems for rough environments and for different applications. They now strive to offer the most complete range of wiper products of the best possible quality.

Exalto is committed to the design, manufacture and supply of windscreen wiping systems, washing equipment and associated control systems. Meanwhile offering excellent quality, performance reliability and safety that satisfy the needs, expectations and requirements of our customers.

Impacting the world

Their innovation and forward thinking, has enabled Exalto to design, develop and manufacture products that are having a huge impact all around the world. Proving that appearances can be deceiving: Exalto is not a company who is pretending to be a big player with big ideas. They meet the promises and targets which they set, and that highlights just how hard they work. Therefor we are really happy to be a part of this great journey by implementing the best industrial Tractus 3D printer into their processes and working methods.

Visit Exalto Wiper Technologies – exaltowipers.com

Download the ROI whitepaper on the Exalto case

The challange for Exalto Wiper Technologies

Exalto is made up of three divisions – Propulsion, Parts and Wipers – and it is the Exalto Wipers division that is starting to reap the rewards of advanced thinking and new production methods. Exalto Wipers is a highly regarded name and extremely popular in market sectors that rely heavily on windshield wipers. For instance ships and trains – many of which use their products to great effect.

“A train with a broken wiper is not allowed to leave the station and every part of a boat has to be made so that it can withstand the harshest conditions.”

Above all this is exactly why the engineering department at Exalto has played a pivotal part in what they have achieved so far. In 2016, a Tractus3D printer was installed to help strengthen the team and the way in which they perform. The impact of 3D printing was huge.

Competitive market

Due to the fact the market is already very competitive, Exalto always had to rely on their skilled workers and a tight team to develop products that work. However, traditional methods took too much time. It involved a lot of communication, a lot of planning and even then, when the time came to make a prototype, it could prove to be a waste of time. For that reason Exalto required a new way to think about how they can get a product to market in the fastest possible time and this is where our 3D printers came into place.

“In the first week of developing a new rain sensor for train windows, we were able to produce 12 prototypes on our Tractus3D printer. Normally, that would take us more than half a year. This rain sensor for trains is the first in the world. As we speak, it’s already being installed on new trains in Switzerland.”

 

John Minderhoud, Sr. Design Engineer

Solution for the Exalto

Within the first week after the implementation of the 3D printer the first great benefit of 3D printing was already visible. and soon Exalto was recording a world first.

From traditional to new methods

Using traditional methods, it took a lot of time and effort to get the results they needed. It required eight people from both buyers and external parties. Next to that it took at least two weeks production time and many Euros per mock-up before they even got to the final product. This old method of working was time consuming, inefficient and held them back. The biggest benefit is not the savings in external costs or materials. The biggest impact of 3D printing for Exalto is the fact that they have cut out all the intermediate steps.

Change the proces

These results of 3D printing made it possible for Exalto to really change the way in which they work. They can plan, develop and test their products and ensure that the final product was right in every way. This level of control over the production process made it possible to fine-tune their production and design to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. The Tractus 3D printer had made it possible for them to work in a different way. To step away from old methods that were holding them back and move into an era where production comes at a reduced cost, with shorter timescales and better results.

3D printing had a huge impact and completely changed the way in which Exalto operated. It turned them into a team of specialists that could work quickly to create a product that worked. This level of freedom enables them to become a market leader.

Exalto wiper boat
  • “This has in many respects made our division quite independent. In the past, prototyping was always outsourced, but now we can do it ourselves. The printer is printing non-stop. We can try out any ideas that we come up with, with no obstacles or delays”
  • John Minderhoud, Sr. Design Engineer

3D printers used by Exalto Wiper Technologies

T1250
The T1250 is the mid range industrial 3D printer in our DESK series.
T850
The T850 is the mid range industrial 3D printer in our DESK series.